Automatic selfoptimising and pressure regulated control unit for pumps

ABSTRACT

The invention concerns a new control unit for pumps ( 3 ) for heat- and chill-transferring media, which records all parameters for the regulation of the pump in or close to the pump independently from the distance to the heat source ( 2 ) or cooling source. Thus the often complex wiring between heat source ( 2 ) and heat sink ( 1 ) and/or cooling source and cooling sink is omitted. The control unit may be installed directly on the pump ( 3 ) or integrated in the pump consequently. The controller recognizes self learning due to the evaluation of the operating conditions typical system parameters, so that the positioning of the system-dependent temperature differences for control processes is not necessary and can be omitted.

STATE OF THE ART

The invention concerns a new control unit for controlling a pump in a heating or cooling circuit. Up to now pumps are switch on by temperature functions measured by a sensor placed in the heat or cooling source on the one hand and/or in the heat sink (storage, room, ...) on the other side.

This temperature sensors are often dislocated from the energy source and create need of additional sensor cables. Even if there are solutions that combine physically the location of control and energy source, there are still some sensors external that have to be connected in the building site.

Most control units have to be adjusted manual to find the right operation settings suited for the system. This is a time taking process when done properly but what happens often too that this adjustment is done lousy.

Pressure difference between inlet and outlet is used as a part of the control of pumps for optimising the operating points and to have either constant pressure difference or constant flow.

INVENTION

The new invention concerns a new control unit. It consists of

(1) a controller

(2) a pressure sensor

(3) two temperature sensors

The function is based on measuring the pressure difference resulting out of the temperature change in the energy source. This signal creates a “on signal” and after a certain period of waiting time two temperature sensors controlling inlet and outlet temperature take over the speed control or even the switch off signal.

All sensors can be placed in a prefabricated unit as the hydraulic connection transmits the signal of pressure change from anywhere in the system. This prefabricated unit saves time and avoids errors in the installation.

Even more the logic of the control is self optimising and self learning to find the right adjustment suited to the hydraulic system. This self learning process is based on evaluating the performance of ongoing processes and saves the time for finding individual adjustments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustrative schematic diagram of an automatic control unit for circulation pumps that are used for the transport of heat or cooling agents including a controller (4) that recognises the temperature change in the energy source by pressure change with a pressure sensor (7), and recognises inlet and outlet temperature with two temperature sensors (8) and (9), and transfers the input signals to output to control the pump (3).

FIG. 2 is an illustrative schematic diagram of an automatic control unit for circulation pumps that are used for the transport of heat or cooling agents including a controller (4) that recognises the temperature change in the energy source by flow change with a flow sensor (10), and recognises inlet and outlet temperature with two temperature sensors (8) and (9), and transfers the input signals to output to control the pump (3). 

1. Automatic control unit for circulation pumps that are used for the transport of heat or cooling agents including a controller that recognises the temperature change in the energy source by pressure change with a pressure sensor, and recognises inlet and outlet temperature with two temperature sensors, and transfers the input signals to output to control the pump.
 2. Automatic control unit according to claim (1) where the mounting place of the pressure sensor is independent from the location of the heating or cooling source and can be connected in each hydraulic connected part of the system.
 3. Automatic control unit according to claim (1) and (2) where the controller can be placed in or close to the pump.
 4. Automatic control unit according to claim (1),(2) and (3) with all sensors close to the pump and control enabling the complete prefabrication of the pump unit including all internal wires.
 5. Automatic control unit according to claim (1), (2), (3) and (4) switching on the pump according to the pressure difference resulting out of the temperature change in the energy source.
 6. Automatic control unit according to claim (1), (2), (3) and (4) switching on the pump due to the flow that is caused by the temperature change in the energy source.
 7. Automatic control unit according to claim (1),(2),(3), (4) and (5) or (6) that controls pump operation including flow rate by temperature difference between inlet and outlet pipe or by a goal temperature after a specific delay time.
 8. Automatic control unit according to claim (1),(2),(3), (4), (5) or (6) and (7) that switches off the pump if a maximum temperature is exceeded in case of heating or minimum in case of cooling or if no more energy is provided by the energy source.
 9. Automatic control unit according to claim (1),(2),(3),(4), (5) or (6) and (7),(8) using a pressure enhancer that enables the system to recognize the pressure difference needed for switching on easier or even at all.
 10. Automatic control unit according to claim (1),(2),(3),(4), (5) or (6) and (7),(8) and (9) that is self optimising the plant specific characteristic “Switch on -pressure difference”, “delay time” according to an integrated logic. 